May Shen – August, 2019
A PERFECTLY planned trip by Tia and Mirela – Visit Croatia made all the difference to my solo trip. Tia did a wonderful job taking the time to find out what my interests were and laid out the perfect itinerary for me – completely customized while being flexible enough to accommodate changes and my requests. Her hotel recommendation to stay at the Excelsior in Dubrovnik was amazing too – absolutely loved it.
The excursions planned from wine tasting day trips to sailing trips were all of great quality and the stops made including the wineries and restaurants were all of a high standard. All of the guides and drivers were fantastic – very professional and top notch.
Mirela was awesome with being available throughout my time in Croatia – incredibly helpful with last minute reservation changes and even asking Bibich winery to stay open as I was running late. The restaurant recommendations were all great!
The best part of Visit Croatia are the special experiences that come with their planning and recommendations. It was delightful drinking coffee with views of Dubronik from my hotel room (which I would not have booked without their recommendation), buying wine from some of the best vineyards in Croatia, being taken to a private herb garden and introduced to local honey farmers and pastry chefs by my guide in Korcula and just feeling very taken care of throughout!
Highly, highly recommend Visit Croatia and thank you again Tia and Mirela for making my solo trip perfect!
May Shen – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
August 2019
Pam Appel – September, 2019
Tasteful Croatian Journeys created a beautiful, fun, relaxing, fascinating ladies trip.
They somehow managed to find a fabulous balance of terrific organized activities and free time all carefully within our price point and with every detail considered.
I heartily recommend them to anyone considering a trip anywhere in this broader region.
Many thanks,
Pam Appel – Summit, NJ
September 2019
Zagreb’s Finest 5-Star Hotel
The Esplanade Hotel Zagreb is truly in a class all of her own. Croatia’s original destination for jetsetters and royalty, the Esplanade Hotel remains today unmatched in its timeless sophistication, elegance, and impeccable service. Zagreb’s most prestigious property, the 5-Star Esplanade Hotel is home to fine dining, comfortably refined guest rooms, centrally located within walking distance of Zagreb’s old city, with the full array of amenities today’s luxury travelers expect.
We invite you to fall in love with one of Wanda’s favorite properties in Zagreb, the Esplanade Hotel, the Grand Dame of all Croatian hotels. When you first arrive, it will be Radomir who, with a smile, personally welcomes you with a chilled glass of champagne. A lovely way to say welcome!
The 5-Star, Esplanade Hotel, Zagreb
Dating back to 1925, The Esplanade Zagreb is a property of distinction – it speaks to tradition, elegance, and exceptional service. In its long and distinguished history, The Esplanade Hotel has received acclaim for its impeccably high standards of service. Perfectly located in the green heart of Zagreb, within walking distance of all our favorite sights in the capital. One of the grandest and most famous buildings in Zagreb, The Esplanade was designed in the Art Deco style of its era. The hotel was built to lodge the glamorous travelers who stopped in Zagreb while journeying on the Orient Express. As you enter the lobby you will feel transported to a time of refinement, and comfortable luxury.
5-Star Dining At The Esplanade
The Esplanade offers some of the best local cuisine in Croatia. Zagreb’s finest 5 Star hotel offers four restaurants serving a variety of exceptional, thoughtfully prepared dishes. We can attest, your dining experience at the Esplanade will be unforgettable.
The young star of the culinary scene of Croatia, Executive Chef Ana Grgic leads the award-winning collection of restaurants at the Esplanade. At Zinfandel’s Restaurant, one of the top restaurants in the country, Grgic presents her unique take on the regional cuisine of Zagreb and the surrounding area. The seasonal menu offers a reinvention of your dinning experience with each of your visits. Effortlessly elegant, and artfully presented, Zinfandel’s is a must visit while in the Croatian Capital.
Since its opening in 1986, Le Bistro immediately assumed an important role in the city’s daily life and has for decades offered typical bistro-style meals, as well as the world-famous ‘Esplanade Strukli’. Le Bistro fuses traditional Croatian cuisine with French panache, celebrating a wide range of seasonal local produce such as Istrian truffles, sea asparagus and the seductive sweetness of ethereal palacinke. In the warm months of the year start your morning with the Esplanade sumptuous breakfast served al fresco on the Oleander Terrace. When the hour of day calls you to enjoy a chic and stylish break, head for the Esplanade 1925 Lounge & Cocktail bar.
Comfortable Elegance in Every Room
The elegant rooms at the Esplanade are perfectly fitting of Zagreb’s first-class hotel. The rooms have been thoughtfully designed to recall the sophisticated heritage of the property with a comfortable feeling of home. The spacious accommodations feature marbled bathrooms, separate soaking tub and shower, heated floors, and welcome amenities including L’Occitane toiletries. You will enjoy a restful sleep on the plush goose down pillows, and comfortable beds, while surrounded by warm colors in your tastefully decorated room or suite. Many rooms enjoy stunning views of the city. We know we have chosen the perfect hotel when our guests tell us:
“I loved my room at the Esplanade so much that I had to make an effort to leave it”
As Wanda reminds us, “travel is about people,” and you will find your hosts at the Esplanade are crowned by true 5 star service. This amazing team is guided by the elegant Ivica Max Krizmanić, the General Manager. Mr. Krizmanić will make certain that all your visits in his care are “personal” and most pleasureful. One of the most elegant hotels in Croatia, the Esplanade Zagreb has been at the heart of Zagreb’s social life since the day it opened and can count presidents, politicians, film and music stars among its many distinguished guests.
About the Author:
Luxury Travel Designer and Destination Specialist, Tara Busch, has had a love of travel and an adventurous spirit since childhood. Tara’s background as a history and geography teacher, and avid world travel fueled her dream of pursuing a career in travel. Always seeking out authentic experiences, she enjoys spending time with locals, trying regional cuisine and slow travel.
Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik
For a top choice in luxury accommodations directly on the Adriatic sea, and only minutes to the heart of Old Town Dubrovnik, look no further than the Hotel Excelsior.
Perfectly Located in Dubrovnik
Located just a 10-minute walk outside of the walled city along the Dubrovnik Riviera and offers an unparalleled view of the old town and its harbor. The property consists of the newest addition, the Tower, alongside the historic 1913 royal Villa Odak, recently remodeled to compliment the elegantly modern interiors of Tower rooms.
Tower Deluxe Suite
Tower Deluxe Suite Living Room
Villa Odak Deluxe Room
Villa Odak Deluxe Room Terrace
The sea front setting of the Excelsior entices you to stay, unhurried, gazing upon the unforgettable views.
We love having a cocktail on the hotel’s terrace, known as the Abakus Piano Bar, as the sun sets and the lights of the city and harbor begin to glow in the evening. If you prefer to stay indoors, the lounge offers another alternative for drinks and socializing, while still providing stunning sea views. If the moment is right, you may even wish take your favorite person and dance to the music of the moment.
The Abakus Piano Bar Terrace
The Abakus Piano Bar Terrace
Abakus Piano Bar Interior
Abakus Piano Bar Interior
Refresh & Relax
Direct access to the sea invites you to dive into the fresh waters of the Adriatic from the seaside deck. An elegant indoor pool provides a second option for enjoying the water. The spa and wellness area is thoughtfully designed to care for the needs of every guest. Perhaps a post-flight treatment to revive sore muscles, and reduce fatigue? Or enjoy a relaxing steam bath to bring you fully into the moment. Their team of therapists offer a range of European treatments to leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed, and beautiful.
The Hotel Excelsior Seaside Beach Deck
Indoor Pool and Wellness Area
Pool and Wellness Area
Dining At The Excelsior
Each of the three restaurants at the Excelsior present panoramic views of the Adriatic, and Dubrovnik’s Old Town. From your morning Breakfast to an after dinner digestif, the comfortable elegance of the furnishings, paired with the careful attention of the staff, make every meal at the Excelsior memorable.
Dining at the Excelsior begins with a beautiful breakfast on the light-filled terrace of Restaurant Salin, serving a classic international breakfast with views of the Old Town.
We always enjoy a meal prepared with tender loving care by our friend, and dedicated Executive Chef, Mr. Peter Obad at the Restaurant Prora. Whether a lite lunch, or a feast of seafood and regional dishes infused with Mediterranean aromas, the romance of the meal, and ambience tempts you to lose yourself in the present moment. Chef Obad’s passion, and artistry is also behind the Sensus Restaurant. Here he and his talented team create modern reinterpretations of local cuisine. The menu is fitting to the sleek, contemporary design of the stunning interiors, complete with floor to ceiling windows to bask you in views of the Adriatic and the Old Town.
Salin Restaurant
Prora Beach Restaurant
Fine Dining Sensus Restaurant
Hear what our travelers are saying…
“We loved the Excelsior in Dubrovnik. Our room with the balcony looking out on the old city was perfect”
“As I sit out on our balcony of hotel Excelsior , looking at the old town of Dubrovnik, I can only reflect on what has been an amazing vacation. Literally a trip of a lifetime”
Click through below for photos from our most recent visit to the Hotel Excelsior.
About the Author:
Luxury Travel Designer and Destination Specialist, Tara Busch, has had a love of travel and an adventurous spirit since childhood. Tara’s background as a history and geography teacher, and avid world travel fueled her dream of pursuing a career in travel. Always seeking out authentic experiences, she enjoys spending time with locals, trying regional cuisine and slow travel.
Points of View – Conde Nast Traveler Specialist Summit 2019
Monday, October 7, 2019
1 World Trade Center, New York
It is a remarkable time to be a professional in the travel industry.
For over 30 years I have watched and engaged in the evolution of travel to Croatia, with the adjacent countries that were one part of former Yugoslavia, and countries that connect the threads of common histories of the region. I have worked to develop travel experiences for the worlds most sophisticated travelers, for the curious, for adventure seekers, for those looking to connect with their heritage, and travelers collecting spectacular experiences and moments, that they will want to safeguard in their favorite memories drawer.
All my journeys are tailor designed to perfectly fit the dreams, desires, and requirements and meet the expectations of our most interesting travelers.
Together with my team, each journey is personally crafted with care, attention and a great sense of purpose.
It is with such gusto, such joy, that I join my colleagues in celebration of this moment, as we look to the future.
We are witnessing the rise of leading women, artistic entrepreneurs, intelligent and thoughtful travelers, world class culinary experiences, sustainable travel, professionals mindful of wellness, authentic cultural experiences and industry peers who respect, admire and support one another as we all strive to deliver excellence in travel.
From his POINT OF VIEW conversation with Melinda Stevens, Editor in Chief of Conde’ Nast Traveler, Mr. Francis Ford Coppola spoke of his many enterprises, and business endeavors. I felt a passionate resonance for his words, “it’s not business, it’s personal”. Thank you Mr. Coppola, I could not agree more!
In concert with Mr. Coppola’s wisdom, I’d like to share one of my points of view. From the moment I started designing my Tasteful Croatian Journeys I learned that all travel is about people and for me, as a dedicated travel professional, it is always personal.
My spectacular team of luxury travel planners understands and shares my philosophy, as their every step of designing our travelers experiences is taken with delicate care, enveloped with intelligence, passion and love for our craft . It is about people and we, as the “Caretakers of Wonder”, take conscious steps to make sure that we serve well and meet and exceed our travelers’ expectations. It is personal, we really, really care for our travelers’ happiness.
It Is a tremendous honor to be among the recognized specialists taking our industry to greater heights. I look forward to the evolution of our work as we bring the world together by building bridges of friendship that are intended to open hearts and minds…
Dreaming of ISTRIA
Dreaming of Istria
Warm Adriatic sunshine falls upon a glittering sea that gently washes against the craggy coastline. Dotted with small towns and pebbled beaches, Istria proves an interlude for seafarers and sunbathers alike, with a centuries long tradition of life centered around fishing and the sea. The verdant interior of the peninsula contains its sheltered, and serene village towns, perched on gentle hilltops, above the clouds and unchanged by time. Histria in Latin, the culture of the region is rich in diversity. A microcosm of European history, Istria’s past includes the empires of Venice, Byzantium, Rome, Austria-Hungary, Italy and Yugoslavia.
This heart shaped peninsula on Croatia’s northern most coast offers the quintessential seaside fishing lifestyle and atmosphere you would expect from the Adriatic – yet, hidden just inland, among its verdant hills and fertile valleys are some of the finest gastronomical delights to be discovered in Croatia!
Follow winding roads to world renowned olive oils and robust truffles, dine on regional prosciutto and peka. Savor the exceptional wines found here in the distinguished 45th parallel wine growing region. Cyclists will adore the more than 100 trails in the area – wind your way up and down the hills into the many picturesque medieval towns, stop to catch your breath while lingering over stirring panoramas.
Rich in heritage, narrow stone streets and architectural sites dating from antiquity, Istria is the enchantress of the Adriatic, capturing the heart and imagination of all who venture into her heart.
Wanda’s Tip – “Those visiting Croatia for the very first time will often focus on the southern coastal area, however Istria has so much to offer in natural beauty, culinary riches, and history – and our active travelers love the ability to explore by bike, car or on foot.